The amount of research and development automakers are put into saving even the smallest amounts of fuel are impressive. The research is also necessary if automakers are to meet much more stringent CAFE standards moving forward. One of the technologies that will help automakers meet those fuel economy standards is start-stop technology.

Originally, start-stop technology was used on hybrid vehicles to allow them to save fuel while stopped at red lights or in traffic. The technology is now spilling over into traditional vehicles to help them save fuel. Ford will offer start-start technology as an option on the 2013 Fusion when equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine. The technology will be dirt cheap, meaning that it's likely to be ordered on many of the vehicles that hit streets. Ford has price the start-stop option at $295.

Ford says that the new fusion is the first midsize sedan available with automatic start-stop that isn't a hybrid. Just as the technology works on a hybrid vehicle, when the Fusion driver comes to a complete stop the engine will turn off automatically to cut fuel consumption and reduce emissions. When the driver releases the brake pedal, the engine will automatically restart and be ready to move by time the gas pedal is pressed.

2013 Ford Fusion family [Source: Ford]

“We expect the average Fusion driver with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and Auto Start-Stop will save about $1,100 more than other midsize sedan owners during five years of driving,” said Samantha Hoyt, Ford Fusion Marketing Manager. “That’s cash in their pocket and time saved with fewer trips to the pump.”

Ford says that drivers who operate the vehicle in heavy urban areas and in city traffic will see up to 10% savings on fuel consumption. The average driver will see an increase in fuel efficiency of about 3.5%. As long as the technology is truly seamless and there is no hesitation between the engine stop and engine start, the majority of drivers will never notice the technology in operation.

The new 2013 Ford Fusion will go on sale this fall and will offer two different EcoBoost all engines. The Fusion will also be offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and naturally aspirated four-cylinder versions.

quote: I can do my own start stop by turning off the engine with the - KEY! And if I know the stop will be long I do do this now.

Oh give me a break. When someone starts suggesting such patently stupid ideas, you know they have nothing useful to say.The number of people who switch their cars off at red lights can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Don't pretend otherwise.

And if this tech can do something that people do not otherwise do, then WTF is your problem with it? Why do some people feel a need to complain, no matter what? Ford isn't claiming it will solve the world's problems. They are not charging a fortune for it. It's a small improvement in efficiency that only costs a small amount of money --- what's not to like? You yourself basically admit it pays for itself in 18 months or so.